City council should consider outsourcing Ronan Police Department
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Regarding the current Ronan Police Department issues, I approached the Ronan City Council on June 16 with this statement:
“In light of recent events, I would like to ask the city council to please take another look at turning the Ronan police force over to the Lake County Sheriff’s office, not as a long-term situation, but as a remedy that could leave the City of Ronan further ahead in the long run.
If the city were to have the sheriff’s office assume responsibility for one year, I believe the council would have adequate time to come up with personnel policies and procedures that could save the taxpayers of Ronan tremendously in the long run and provide for a quality police force that would restore the faith of the citizens in this town.
In the last week, there were three situations that I was aware of – dispatch being unaware of a Ronan officer on duty to take an alarm call, a suspicious activity call that had to be delayed until there was a Ronan officer on duty the next day, and a disturbance at a local tavern that had to be covered by county and tribal – that shows how far out of control things have gotten.
I believe that an agreement could be worked out that present officers could be hired by the county to further their training during this time. Also, I believe it could be agreed on that an officer would be based in Ronan.
Given the class action lawsuit that has been filed along with previous personnel lawsuits, it would be in the city’s best interest to make sure all of their personnel hiring and procedures are current and follow the letter of the law. I imagine the insurance premiums are going to increase because of all of this litigation. Legal fees incurred by the need of more time than allotted for the city attorney will increase, as well.
I believe that turning things over to the county to allow yourselves time to come up with a quality program will help mend fences throughout the law enforcement community as well as the public. As has been mentioned, the academy isn’t recommending their graduates to seek employment in our jurisdiction. Reaching out to other agencies will help to show good faith that this situation is being taken seriously and that you want to have things done the correct and proper way.
During that year, I think the first thing that needs to be done is to form a timeline and stick to it. Identify what is lacking and work towards fixing it. Consult with a human resource professional as well as other law enforcement professionals so that the law is being followed and other liabilities are being weeded out. Once this is all established, take the time to fill any positions that are still needed.
I know you all take the trust that the voters have put in you seriously. You work hard to spend the taxpayer’s money responsibly. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of trying to plug the leaks in the dam and not realizing the entire structure is in jeopardy. Please consider taking a proactive approach to solving this situation before it continues to snowball having catastrophic consequences for the city, yourselves, and the citizens. Thank you.”
During the meeting, Lake County Sheriff-Elect Don Bell said he believes when he takes office, Lake County could provide 24-hour coverage in Ronan for less than previously quoted. Concerns were raised that if there’s an incident elsewhere, the Ronan officer would be called away. Bell stated another officer could cover Ronan but more than likely our officer would stay.
Arrange a sit-down between current- Sheriff Jay Doyle, Sheriff-Elect Bell, and yourselves to discuss options. I know the previous quote from Doyle’s administration was about $40,000 more than the current city budget, but if Bell feels it could be less, isn’t it worth discussing?
Some of you feel that “the right person is out there.” Why would the “right person” be willing to enter into a situation that hasn’t changed? Google “Ronan Montana Police Department”– why would anyone with the integrity needed want to come into these problems for this salary? Four police chiefs in a year’s time doesn’t promote stability. Why aren’t you listening to the police commission’s concerns? As I stated at the meeting, just because everyone else does it doesn’t make it legal. After the reserve program problems, shouldn’t you realize this?
This lawsuit has very real, long-lasting impacts on the city. How much will insurance cover? Was Trevor Wadsworth covered by the insurance? Where’s the money going to come from if the insurance won’t cover it? Will insurance premiums increase? Will additional legal staff be required to deal with the amount of work from the lawsuit? Where’s the money going to come from?
In rushing to hire a new chief, are you sure you have policies and procedures in place that will protect you and your force? As I’ve said, there’s a target on the city’s back. Anyone with the slightest grievance against the city, whether citizens or former officers, will find a lawyer to take their case. Any credibility the city has had has been tossed out because you haven’t sought out answers to the problems and the situation snowballed to the present condition.
The City Council isn’t entirely to blame. As citizens, our duty’s to pay attention to what’s happening. After the Valley Journal article on June 11, 2014, I expected to see a packed house at the meeting. Unfortunately, there were only three citizens in attendance. I wonder if people are resigned to the fact that nothing will change or if people are okay with status quo as long as their taxes don’t increase?
To follow by faith alone is to follow blindly. – Benjamin Franklin
